“The hotel’s eerie atmosphere, combined with its ghostly legends, inspired vivid dreams that would later become the chilling novel”

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park Colorado is the most haunted hotel in America and it shares ties to an infamous movie. The hotel was built by F. O. Stanley (and opened in 1909) who moved to the area because of the crisp mountain air.

Built by F. O. Stanley and opened in 1909, the grand hotel was inspired by Stanley’s own health journey. Seeking relief from tuberculosis, he moved to the area, drawn to the crisp mountain air and the natural beauty of the Rockies.

Stanley’s vision of a luxurious retreat where guests could experience comfort, elegance, and a touch of the extraordinary. Today, that extraordinary element seems to include a number of lingering spirits. F. O. Stanley himself, who passed in 1940, is often spotted in the billiards room, quietly observing the scene. His wife, Flora, who died a year earlier, is said to frequent the piano room, playfully nudging the keys to let staff and visitors know she’s still around.

The Stanleys are far from the hotel’s only residents. Elizabeth Wilson, a former housekeeper who passed away in room 217, is notorious for surprising guests, particularly couples staying in the room.

On the fourth floor, the sounds of children’s laughter echo through the hallways, while visitors and staff alike report seeing ghostly animals silently walking through walls. These apparitions have become part of the hotel’s mystique, captivating paranormal enthusiasts from around the world.

Perhaps the hotel’s most famous connection comes from the realm of literature and film. In 1974, Stephen King and his family spent a night in room 217. The hotel’s eerie atmosphere, combined with its ghostly legends, inspired vivid dreams that would later become the chilling novel—and iconic movie—The Shining.

Over a century later, the Stanley Hotel remains as remarkable as it was in 1909. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious getaway, a brush with the paranormal, or simply a story to tell, the Stanley Hotel promises an experience you won’t soon forget.

Address: 333 E Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517